AI Guidelines for Web Editors
Purpose
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can help editors draft content, generate ideas, create images and develop code more efficiently. While these tools can improve productivity, all website content remains subject to UNF web governance standards, accessibility requirements and branding guidelines.
AI-Assisted Content
Content generated by AI should not be published without human review. Editors are responsible for verifying the accuracy and appropriateness of all AI-assisted content before publication.
| Generally Allowed | Requires Marcom Review |
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Accessibility Review
Approval by Web Services does not replace accessibility review requirements. Interactive features, forms and other AI-generated functionality may require review by the ADA Office before implementation.
Website Color Standards
AI tools may suggest colors from a variety of UNF online resources. For university websites, only the colors identified in the Cascade Style Guide may be used.
The colors listed in the UNF Brand Standards are intended for broader marketing and communications purposes and are not approved for website use unless specifically authorized.
AI-Generated Code
Before generating custom code with AI tools, editors should first determine whether the code presents risks related to security, performance and website maintenance.
Examples include:
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Widgets
- Embeds
- Interactive components
- Third-party integrations
Use Approved Cascade Components First
Cascade templates and approved components should be used whenever possible. Before creating custom solutions with AI tools, editors should determine whether an existing Cascade component can meet the need.
AI-generated code should be used to enhance approved website templates, not replace them.
Consultation Requirement
Editors planning to implement custom functionality should consult with the Web Team before development begins. Early consultation helps determine whether approved Cascade components already exist and whether additional accessibility, security or governance review may be required.
Using AI-Generated Code Responsibly
AI-generated code may not be implemented directly into university websites without review by authorized web development staff.
To support appropriate testing and validation, editors should use the university's sandbox environment before submitting AI-generated code for review.
Access to the sandbox environment may be requested by contacting: webmaster@unf.edu.
Code Review Considerations
AI-generated code will be evaluated for:
Accessibility Issues
AI-generated code may:
- Create keyboard navigation barriers
- Use improper heading structures
- Omit accessible form labels
- Include incorrect ARIA attributes
- Fail color contrast requirements
- Create content that is difficult for screen reader users to access
Example: An AI-generated accordion appears to work visually but cannot be expanded using a keyboard, making the content inaccessible to some users.
Security Risks
AI-generated code may:
- Include vulnerable JavaScript libraries
- Recommend insecure coding patterns
- Load scripts from unapproved third-party sources
- Introduce opportunities for malicious code execution
- Collect information in ways that violate university policies
Example: An AI-generated widget references an external script hosted on an unknown website, creating a potential security and privacy risk.
Performance Problems
AI-generated code may:
- Load unnecessary scripts and libraries
- Increase page load times
- Duplicate existing functionality
- Affect performance across the website
Example: A simple content carousel generated by AI loads multiple JavaScript libraries when an approved Cascade component already exists.
Brand and Design Inconsistencies
AI tools are not aware of UNF web standards and may:
- Suggest unapproved colors
- Use non-standard button styles
- Create layouts that differ from approved website templates
- Produce designs that create an inconsistent user experience
Example: An AI tool generates a call-to-action button using colors from the UNF Brand Standards page rather than the approved website color palette found in the Cascade Style Guide.
Remember
AI-generated content, graphics and code are subject to the same standards, policies and review processes as any other content published on UNF websites.
Need Assistance?
Questions about AI-generated content, graphics, code or access to the sandbox environment should be directed to webmaster@unf.edu.